Page 16 - Paladins Magazine Issue 4

Fiction

Barik

The Tinkerer

By Jawwaad Flaendorp

“Shunned, hated, and isolated from my tribe, his story with me; “I was told you’d be able to

who would’ve thought working with the gob- assist me in searching for someone,” he said.

lin would have this outcome?”

The more he elaborated on his stor, the more

Tinkering away on my turrets I’m suddenly it fell out of my area of expertise. “Sadly,

greeted by a slow, deep eerie voice; “Are I would not be able to assist you with your

you Barik?” The voice bellowed. I made my request,” I replied. No words were needed

way to the front door of my forge, thinking to to see the disappointment on Grover’s face.

myself: is this my past coming back to haunt Even if he’s a tree-like being he still had

me? Or am I just imagining things? Slowly, emotion. I did not have the right equipment

I opened the door but to my amazement, nor the knowledge needed to aid him, but

nobody was there. It must’ve been the there might be one person who’d be able to

rustling of the wind, but the voice kept calling help out my guest. I told Grover we needed

out to me. I carefully made my way to the to head out to the Goblin Village. After he

door again, opening it up and all I could see agreed with our next course of action, I

was a tree. I was about to close the door packed my things and we were on our way.

when suddenly, this tree spoke and said, “I

am Grover.” I invited him in and proceeded to We traveled for days, with Grover asking me

ask him to state his business with me. It has about my past. The Goblins and Dwarves are

been ages since I had guests. Grover shared known not to be cooperative with each other.
16 Paladins Community Magazine Issue 4 The Game On Magazine